🔗 Share this article Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also featured leaders in different industries. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was aboard the automated spacecraft in April 2025. A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates. The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight. She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.” Overshadowed by Sexism The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny. She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors. Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle. A Path to Recovery In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said. She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism. The Historic Journey The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space. The group of women also featured leaders in different industries. The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.